Infective endocarditis

Alternative names:

acute endocarditis; bacterial endocarditis; subacute endocarditis

Treatment:

Hospitalization is required initially to administer intravenous antibiotics. Long term high dose antibiotic therapy is required to eradicate the bacteria from the heart chambers and vegetations on the valves. Therapy up to 6 weeks is not uncommon. The chosen antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivities tests.

Activity is restricted to bed rest initially, then it is gradually increased as the condition improves. No special diet is necessary, unless it is required because of an underlying heart disorder (such as a low-salt diet).

If heart failure develops as a result of damaged heart valves, surgery to replace the affected heart valve may be indicated.

Expectations (prognosis):

Early treatment of bacterial endocarditis generally results in a good outcome. Valvular damage may be present if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

Complications:

• congestive heart failure if treatment is delayed
• blood clots or emboli that travel to brain, kidneys, lungs, or abdomen causing severe damage to these organs
• arrhythmias (rapid or irregular heartbeat), such as atrial fibrillation
• glomerulonephritis
• severe valve damage
• stroke
• brain abscess
• neurologic changes
• jaundice

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you note the following symptoms during or after treatment:

• weight loss without change in diet
• blood in urine
• chest pain
• weakness
• fatigue
• numbness or weakness of muscles
• fever